How often is a fire risk assessment required?
There is no fixed legal expiry date, but a fire risk assessment must be kept up to date and is generally reviewed at least once a year. It must also be reviewed after any significant change to the premises, the way it is used, or the people who use it.
Last reviewed: June 2026
The annual review
Fire and rescue services recommend reviewing your assessment at least annually. Regular review keeps it current and demonstrates that you are actively managing fire safety.
Trigger events
Review sooner than a year if any of these happen:
- ·A refit, refurbishment or change of layout
- ·A notable increase in occupants or a change of use
- ·New equipment, storage or processes that affect fire risk
- ·A fire, a near-miss, or contact from the fire authority or your insurer
- ·A change in the identity of the Responsible Person
What counts as 'significant change'
Anything that could affect the fire risk or how people escape. The date of the original assessment matters less than its currency — an assessment that was suitable when written but never revisited after major changes is unlikely to be considered adequate at an inspection.